Weekend Buzz: ComicCon, live wrestling and steampunk

Looking for something to do during the final weekend of August? Here are five events happening around Orillia and area.

Step back in time at Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days

Coldwater will transform into a world of gears, gadgets, costumes and curiosities Saturday for Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days.

This year’s theme is Time Travel, with the free, family-friendly event featuring entertainment, artisan and oddity markets, elaborate costumes and discoveries for visitors of all ages.

Whether you arrive dressed for another century or simply want to see what the steampunk world is all about, the event offers a full day of unusual sights and entertainment in Coldwater.

Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Coldwater.
Admission: Free.

Hit the water for Family Show Ski Night

Water-skiing enthusiasts can head to Ramara Friday evening for a Family Show Ski Night featuring everything from swivel skiing and barefooting to jumping and dock starts.

Organizers are inviting Lake Muskoka Show Ski families to drop in, share their skills and spend an evening on the water. Several boats, including the Twin Rig, are expected to be available, and participants can bring their own equipment or ask to borrow some from the club.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring a picnic or something for the barbecue.

Date and time: Friday, Aug. 28, beginning at 4 p.m.
Location: 3557 Southwood Beach Blvd., Washago.

Shop local at the Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market

Start Saturday morning with a trip to the Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market, where local farmers, producers and makers gather to sell their goods.

The ODAS Park farmers’ market features farm-fresh products alongside locally grown, baked and handmade items, offering a chance to shop local while supporting small businesses and producers from the area.

Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 29, beginning at 8 a.m.
Location: 4500 Fairgrounds Rd., Severn.

Explore comics, collectibles and more at Orillia ComicCon

Superheroes, comic books, toys and collectibles take over ODAS Park Sunday for Orillia ComicCon.

Vendors will be selling comics, new and vintage toys, DVDs, records, Blu-rays, jewellery, anime, prints and other collectibles, while artists and authors will also be on hand with their own work.

Admission is $5 when purchased online through Eventbrite or $10 at the door. Children 12 and under get in free with a paid admission. A $30 VIP option includes admission and a shopping bag containing a Funko Pop, comics and other collectibles.

Visitors who donate five or more unexpired, non-perishable food items for the local food bank will also receive a free comic book.

Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: ODAS Park, 4500 Fairground Rd.
Admission: $5 online; $10 at the door; children 12 and under free with paid admission.

Watch live professional wrestling at ODAS Park

After ComicCon wraps up, ODAS Park will transform into a wrestling venue Sunday evening as Great Canadian Wrestling comes to Orillia for a live charity event.

The show runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the main hall. General admission is listed at $20 for children 12 and under and $25 for those 13 and older, while front-row tickets are $35 and available online only. A VIP upgrade is also available for an additional $20 and includes a gift bag.

Organizers are also encouraging spectators to bring unexpired, non-perishable food donations for the local food bank.

Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: ODAS Park, Orillia.
Admission: $20 for ages 12 and under; $25 general admission for ages 13 and up; $35 front row.

Whether you want to spend the weekend listening to live music, getting out on the water, shopping local, hunting for collectibles or cheering from ringside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the final weekend of August in Orillia and area.

For even more local events, click here.